Residents near Bucks and Montgomery County military bases had higher levels of toxic compounds in their blood compared to the U.S. average.

Recent findings from a major federal study reveal that residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania, particularly those living near military bases, are experiencing higher levels of certain harmful chemicals known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. According to officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), blood samples from these regions showed elevated concentrations of four specific PFAS compounds compared to the general U.S. population.

The study, described as one of the largest of its kind, aims to investigate the potential health impacts of PFAS exposure, particularly from drinking water. Researchers collected blood samples from participants residing in eight states between 2019 and 2023, focusing on the implications of long-term exposure to these chemicals. PFAS are man-made substances commonly used since the 1940s in various applications, including waterproof clothing, nonstick cookware, and light-resistant packaging, as well as firefighting foams. They have garnered the label “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body.

Among the preliminary results, researchers noted that 1,252 adults and 89 children living near military installations had an average concentration of 3.6 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of PFHxS, a notable PFAS compound linked to higher blood pressure. This average is significantly higher than the national average of 2.1 ng/ml. While the implications of these findings are still being analyzed, they suggest a concerning trend regarding the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, including an increased likelihood of elevated cholesterol levels, which can, in turn, raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Defense installations such as the Horsham Air Guard Station and the former Naval Air Station have used fluorinated firefighting foam containing PFAS extensively, contributing to elevated exposure among nearby residents. The initial findings indicated that nearly every individual tested from these areas had detectable levels of multiple PFAS compounds, including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and others.

Although health impacts from PFAS exposure remain uncertain based on the preliminary data, researchers have indicated that they will present further details at a conference in August. The ongoing study seeks to examine various potential health outcomes related to PFAS exposure, including effects on lipid levels, thyroid function, metabolic syndrome, and links to diabetes, blood pressure, and heart disease.

As investigations into the health implications of PFAS continue, the findings underscore an urgent need for public awareness and further research into the effects of these pervasive chemical substances on human health. Residents and policymakers alike will be watching closely for future results and recommendations emerging from this important study.